Pitching in a competitive game against an opponent wearing a different uniform for the first time since Sept. 8, 2017, the Milwaukee Brewers right-hander experienced it all in his one-inning, 22-pitch outing against the Chicago White Sox at American Family Fields of Phoenix.

Nelson surrendered a home run on his second pitch and allowed four hits. But he also struck out three on nasty breaking balls, reached 94 mph on the radar gun with his fastball and, most important, emerged healthy and happy with what transpired.

"To me, this is a step," Nelson said. "All the bullpens, all the live BPs and intrasquads were just a formality. This is the actual step, getting to the game and getting that one under your belt."

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

Nelson has been on the comeback trail since surgeon Neal ElAttrache rebuilt his shoulder on Sept. 19, 2017, after he injured it sliding back into first base after singling at Wrigley Field.

He began throwing bullpen sessions around the all-star break last season, and in the month or so since he reported to spring training Nelson has graduated from throwing bullpens to live batting practice to a simulated game and finally the real thing on Monday.

In a tweet, Nelson expressed his gratitude for getting to that point, and as he trotted to the mound from the bullpen to start the sixth inning he was greeted by a large ovation both from the crowd of 6,775 and the railing full of teammates in the dugout.

549 days ago I started the toughest process I’ve ever been through in every aspect. I’m thankful for the growth that has, and continues to come from it and for all the people that have helped along the way. #BrewersPhoto: @paulus_scottpic.twitter.com/Ql1xQWDzRa

"We thought it would be a nice gesture," said Christian Yelich. "We know how much work he's put in and how important it is for him. It's not too big of an ask for guys to stay 2-3 more innings than they usually would to support a teammate.

"We're happy to see him back out there. The results really don't matter; it's just nice to see him back in a major-league game and healthy after everything he's gone through."

CLOSE

Craig Counsell on Jimmy Nelson's rehab and return to the mound
Wochit, Wochit

Nelson – as focused a professional athlete as there is – admitted he was touched by the sentiment.

"I knew some of the guys were going to hang out because they told me they wanted to see," Nelson said. "I thought I was going to throw the fourth or fifth, then I got pushed to the sixth because (Jhoulys) Chacín was dealing and I didn’t know that they were going to still hang around.

"I have so much respect for these guys. It was just one of those really cool moments. And then the fans being all pumped up when I came up before I threw a pitch – I can’t help but smile when I think about it."

Leadoff hitter Adam Eaton greeted Nelson by squaring around to bunt and then sent a long homer out to left on his second offering. Leury Garcia followed by beating out a slow roller to the left side before Nelson struck out Ryan Goins swinging with a curveball.

James McCann, up next, bounced a single up the middle to put two on. Nelson responded by striking out Matt Skole swinging with a slider, then Eloy Jimenez doubled to right-center to drive in another run.

Nelson ended his day with a swinging strikeout of Danny Mendick on another curveball. During that at-bat he also hit 94 mph with his fastball after sitting mostly around 91-92.

"I got a little taste of everything," Nelson said. "I was excited. I wasn’t too amped up or nervous because if I was I would probably be over-throwing. But I felt like I was pretty easy. I wasn’t over-throwing.

"I kind of got a little too quick when that guy got on first the first couple pitches, but other than that I kind of reeled it back in a little bit."

Manager Craig Counsell was all smiles afterward with regard to Nelson's performance.

"He threw the ball great," he said. "It’s not a day to evaluate how he threw, regardless. It’s a day for Jimmy to realize he is getting there. I’m happy for him, and happy how the whole inning went.

"It couldn’t have gone better."

Assuming Nelson emerges no worse for wear Tuesday, his next game action will come Saturday when the Brewers play split-squad games at home against Colorado and on the road against Kansas City.

"On Saturday, the plan is for three innings," Nelson said. "I basically threw one in the game and another controlled inning in the bullpen. Hopefully get three innings there and go from there. Everything is there. Just a matter of building up, as I’ve always said.

"I still think there is more in the tank. I didn’t feel I was necessarily throwing with 100 percent effort out there. It was pretty free and easy out there."